DiscussionDeveloping the International Association for Communication in Healthcare (EACH) to address current challenges of health communication
Section snippets
EACH renamed as International Association for Communication in Healthcare
Effective communication between patients, relatives and healthcare practitioners is essential in achieving better access to healthcare, improved quality of care and, ultimately, optimal health outcomes [1,2]. EACH was launched as the European Association for Communication in Healthcare in 2001 by a founding group of thirteen members (scientists and clinicians) from eight countries [3]. Five years later, in 2006, over 300 members had joined the association from 31 countries, of which 12 were
Role and position of EACH in the world of healthcare communication
Communication is central to healthcare. Through communication, health information is shared between healthcare providers, patients and their relatives, and between healthcare providers themselves [6]. Communication is fundamental to relationship building, information-gathering and information exchange, and patient empowerment aimed at supporting appropriate decision-making on health issues [1,7,8].
Healthcare provider-patient communication is essential to identify and understand both the
Mission and strategies of EACH to promote health communication
At the core of EACH’s mission and activities is the evidence that almost all objectives in healthcare are mediated through communication. The strong evidence base for effective healthcare communication and a person-centred approach incorporating shared responsibility and decision making adds to the moral imperative of a more equal relationship between patients, relatives and healthcare providers [16,17].
In light of this, the overall aim of the association has therefore been to promote effective
Main developments in EACH
Until the end of 2016 EACH was governed by the steering committee (SC) and the executive committee that had been constituted according to the policies and procedures of the association.
The steering committee consisted of the National Representatives (NR) of countries with at least five members, all members of the executive committee, the Patient Education and Counseling (PEC) journal advisor, and a representative of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH). In 2017 the steering
EACH’s way forward: how to make an impact in a rapidly changing world
EACH is now an international association. However, this most welcome internationalization poses some organizational challenges that will have to be addressed in the coming years.
The knowledge and experience gained by EACH in healthcare communication, by linking research, teaching and practice, has contributed to build its reputation in the field [24]. Also, the operational aspects of EACH in terms of membership management, liaison duties, public relations and finances are currently functional
Conclusion
This paper depicts the mission and work of EACH in the field of health communication. Also, it highlights steps forward for EACH to further strengthen itself as a key association in healthcare communication, and to promote person-centered healthcare systems that implement evidence from healthcare communication and communication education. The achievement of the international status testifies that EACH is in the privileged position to be among the leading world associations in the field. But for
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